Liverpool is having a much better time in the European competition than the domestic circuit. They have breezed into the last 8 of the UEFA Champions League on the back of a goal each by Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah.
Liverpool beat RB Leipzig 2-0, completing a dominant aggregate scoreline of 4-0 in the round-of-16 tie. Both matches took place in the Puskas Arena in Hungary due to the covid restrictions.
The red side of Merseyside is currently in a pitiful run of form in the Premier League. They have suffered six consecutive losses at their home in Anfield. It seemed that it would carry over here as well. In the first half, Liverpool had a host of chances but had failed to convert any of them.
Matter Of Fact For Liverpool
Although it was not Anfield, the Liverpool lineup featured the return of Fabinho in the midfield. The opening goal was at hand but Mane could not hit the target, Leipzig on the other hand knew of the importance of scoring even one away goal.
Alisson put in a fabulous save to deny an 11th minute shot by Dani Olmo. It was matched by his counterpart Peter Gulacsi’s fingertip save to keep out Diogo Jota’s header. Gulacsi put in another save in reply to Salah’s free chance at opening the scoring. Leipzig on the other hand kept finding space and poking the English side uncomfortably.
The deadlock finally broke when Salah powered home a shot after cutting across the penalty area. Less than five minutes later, Mane added a second by turning in a Divock Origi cross. If Liverpool wants to play in the UCL next season, being the victors seem likely to be their most probable chance.
Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp said that he is aware that it has not been the best of seasons. However, he remains adamant and hopeful that the team will soon get back to its dominating form. He offered special praise to Nathaniel Phillips and Ozan Kabak for their performances as center-backs.
